Expert: Melvin Mills - 6/22/2009

Question
hi melvin,

i just received an old elgin sidewinder which was described as being in "running order". it wound fine and runs off and on, depending on position. it appears to have a balance staff problem, though this is just an uneducated guess. my question is, does this qualify the watch to be in "running order". i have asked for a refund and value your expert opinion.
             many thanks for your time and all the best,
                                                    marc

Answer
Marc,

I feel for you.  I HATE when people outright LIE about the condition
of items.  Of course we are assuming that the watch was not damaged in transit, which, is a possibility.

to answer your question:

NO, IT IS NOT IN RUNNING ORDER.

To be in running order the watch has to actually run.  Not some of the time but all of the time.  Not in only some positions but in all positions.

Another thing.  You did say it is an uneducated guess about the balance but if we assume you are correct, that is a costly repair.  

Ask the seller to pay to have it fixed or get your money back.

Kind regards,

Melvin